An overhaul of the way lawyers are trained will emphasise the need to speak and write sensitively and in plain English to clients.

The largest consultation held by the Law Society of Scotland also found changes could be made that open up alternative routes to the profession.

It found the education structure needed to be updated and added one key focus would be to "provide quality advice to clients efficiently and effectively, while being sensitive to challenges they may face".

The society canvassed opinion in and out of the profession including bodies such as Scottish Women's Aid and the Scottish Refugee Council. It said that around 43% of Scotland's 9919 practising solicitors are female, but fully two-thirds (66%) of entrants into the law last year were women.

Liz Campbell, director of education and training at the society, said: "There are many more women entering and by 2011, the average solicitor will be a woman under 30 and not the middle-aged, pinstriped gent you might imagine.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that we are setting the standards for the Scottish solicitors of the future and bring the talent and skills that will benefit clients to the fore, while ensuring that the high academic credentials are maintained."